Former Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey is looming as one of the best defensive prospects in the draft, and he likely won't last too long in the first round.
The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and for players like Texas Tech's David Bailey, the entire NFL world is eagerly watching their every move.
With Bailey coming off a stellar 2025 season with the Red Raiders that saw him take quarterbacks' souls for fun, some view David as the best defensive player in the draft.
His 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in just 14 games show the elite production that NFL teams would be getting.
And it is due to that, along with his explosiveness off the line and a vast array of pass-rush moves, it is expected that whoever selects Bailey is getting a monster along the defensive line.
With mocks flying off the shelves as we get closer to the draft, some have Bailey going as high as No. 2, while others have him oddly lasting as long as No. 12 to the Dallas Cowboys.
If we are being honest, it will be eyebrow-raising to see Bailey still on the board after the first handful of picks. Still, the draft can be a funny place, and lots of things happen that we don't expect.
But when it comes to Bailey, and who he would be perfect for, ESPN's Jordan Reid has him going to the New York Jets at No. 2.
"The Jets should take two players who can be impactful right away," Reid wrote. "A highly productive player off the edge, Bailey's explosive get-off is something this pass rush lacks."
Coming to Aaron Glenn's team, Bailey will be getting a lot of work on gameday, as the Jets are in a total rebuild, and it feels like it has been that way for years.
The Jets do have a handful of good veterans in Demario Davis and Will McDonald, who can help ease Bailey's transition into the pro game. It will be fascinating to see how Glenn uses David's talents.
His quarterback hunting skills are second-to-none, but as we know in the NFL, you can't be a one-trick pony. So, leveling up his game against the run will be something to watch this offseason.
Bailey to the Jets at No. 2? The former Red Raider will get to play a leading hand in the franchise's turnaround under Glenn.
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